I know it's been a hot minute since I uploaded and I apologize! College has been taxing away my energy and I'm honestly thankful that in the time I haven't been uploading I've created some new projects for the near future. Until I complete both of the stories I have on here, expect some editing on previous chapters as well. And of course, thank you for taking the time to read my work (s) and I appreciate the support!


The bathroom sink faucet runs audibly with icy water as the chilly air spreads throughout the room, then being gathered in the hands of the princess and splashed onto her face multiple times as she tried to calm her unstable nerves. Shiva had gotten tense while thinking about the many pressures she'd once again have to burden for the sake of her mission. Her shoulders droop as she exhaled and rose again as she inhales-breathing calming after each repetition. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, hunching over as her breasts pressed against the sink, lowering her chin for a deeper stare.

"We've got to hold on for just two more wins. We'll be free if we can grab two more wins…" she said in an exhausted tone, with a pained expression as she shook her head in denial of what might be to come. As the pride of Octo Valley, it was her and the other members duties to the most daunting task for anyone their age: win a title that carried the weight of a race of people on their shoulders. She smiles halfheartedly at her reflection, noticing some of the features that made her one of the most beautiful girls on the continent despite being young. Putting her hand to the mirror, she feels the ice-cold frost on her fingertips and runs her fingers downward vertically-eyes filled with melancholy and worry. "To think that when the most important games come to us, our luck has to have us meet that scumbag again…" curling her fingers into a fist as the image of Gin entered her mind; she loathed him more than defeat.

Despite defeating Beacon Hills in back in the fall preliminaries, Shiva was aware that at the time Gin and his team were holding back immensely for some greater cause. This matchup in the winter was going to be the authentic battle for that could potentially settle the feud. Part of the reason why Shiva was feeling greater pressure than before stemmed from the result of Jin's defeat to Sky and the Elites, seeing his older brother get bounced out of the tournament with the bonus of his own self destruction surely must've made Gin feel plenty more confident about winning the whole shebang. This tournament was anybody's to win now that the top ranked team in the country had been eliminated, but it was going to be an ugly fight for winter title with the emergence of the dark horses from SAHS, the 2nd ranked team in the country and followed by the 3rd ranked team in the country. Shiva also felt pressure after seeing Sky overcome all odds and rally to grab the victory with the everlasting image of her raising her fist in the air as blood dripped down her battered and bruised face and body. Shivers went down her spine just imagining having to face Sky at her full power. Her moment of solitude was cut short when Ciri entered the bathroom to come and snag her for the match.

"It's time, your highness." Ciri said while knocking on the door; the intermission was just about to be wrapped up and they were notified to proceed to the entrance for their introductions.

"Ah, Ciri…" Shiva smiles sweetly as she approached her comrade; repressing the thoughts that clouded her mind. "I thought I told you to our friendship isn't formal. Honestly, after all these years you and the others still do that." Shiva said in an annoyed tone, not sure of what she was going to do with friends like them.

Ciri beamed with satisfaction that she was able to get a reaction out of her, "I'm glad you're still you, Shiva."

Shiva looked confused, "Hmm? why wouldn't I?"

Ciri's chin lowered as she closed her eyes with a smile, "I can tell when something is troubling you. Your spirit isn't the kind to just crush under the weight of your troubles."

Shiva smirked as she placed her hands at her hips, "Am I that easy to read?"

Ciri nodded, "And it's because of that same easiness that we love you dearly."

No more words needed to be said afterwards. Shiva knew that the team she had was unique squad who were willing to die for her because they believed in her strength that passionately. As Ciri and Shiva left the area and joined up with Reluna and Vaairie-who both had a more intense air surrounding them than usual, they made their way to the team entrance for their ultimate mission. This match was a crucial step for them, not just as competitors, but as Octarians. There was a proposition that was made in the summer of last year by the Inkopolis government's highest officials and former prime minister that had the agreement to the Octarians being given an expansion of land as well as recognition of becoming a city state independent of Inkopolis, which in this case would become what the Octarian's call the "Emancipation for the Octarian nation" in giving them their freedom.

The previous prime minister was a huge fan of sports and also wasn't too keen on the continuation of Octarian oppression, as were many of the recent prime ministers who were in charge after the Octarians were placed under watch by the Inklings. In his deal, he decided to use his skills as the prime minister and convince the parliament to allow the Octarians to compete for their freedom, respecting their athletic capabilities and wanting to see just how well could they compete against the superior Inkling with a remarkable prize being the freedom of their people. Unfortunately, the deal wasn't official until after Octo Valley had already captured victory in winning silverware, not counting it since the victory came before the deal was settled. Therefore, they would have to work hard once more but for the ultimate freedom as their prize and the silverware as just a bonus. As the four girls prepare their march to the winter stage, Shiva recalls the day her life hit a new chapter...

"I want to see what you Octoling women are capable of with such a prize waiting for you…" The former prime minister said as he sat at a long table in a highly sophisticated room, directly across from Shiva and her retainers as well as some other close members of the Octarian 'government'.

"Do you think this is a game!? you're weighing the hopes and future of our people on the shoulders of these girls? have you no respect?" one male Octoling said with a combative tone at the response to the proposition; his aged looks denote that he was about as old as DJ Octavio and probably had history in the wars.

"Contrary, I actually have quite the utmost respect for what these girls have accomplished thus far. Ever since middle school, they've exerted so much effort in trying to do their best with the labels on their backs, and I-for one-believe that if there is any hope to your people being set free, these girls will be the ones to get the job done. also, wouldn't it make for an interesting rivalry? Your pride against our pride. It'll be like the wars we fought, only no bloodshed and death."

Shiva raised her hand with a shy expression, "Exactly why can't our nation be free? It's clear that you are willing to give our people their freedom so...why can't you?"

The former prime minister lowered his eyes and took a deep breath, one filled with reluctance as he was forced to lock eyes with the serious gaze of the crown princess. "Princess Magenta, I'm sure you are well aware of the social tension between our people. If a legislation gets passed by the Inkopolis government to just simply allow your cessation from Inkopolis, then there will only be even more turmoil and conflict as other nations will view it as a sign of weakness to let your race have their freedom so willingly. But if you guys can earn it by beating the best teams in this country, then I'm all for it. Surely the people of Inkopolis will accept it too, understanding that your dedication will have paid off..."

Reluna tapped Shiva on the shoulder to bring her back to the present and get her head out of space; the loud noise from the arena was echoing into the tunnel as they stood right at the entrance. "Shiva, you weren't thinking about that thing from last year, were you? You already know the Inkopolis government won't hold their end of the deal. They even got a new Prime Minister just so that deal wouldn't pass. He's been missing for quite some time and no one in the government or in the media has bothered about it."

Shiva nodded, "I'm sorry, I just can't stop holding onto the hope that it will potentially happen. I mean, we've won a competition before...It's just a shame it was before the deal was proposed."

Ciri joined, "Either way, that is the past. Right now, our focus is Beacon Hills."

"Yeah, let's worry about that stuff after we get to the finals and face the Elites." Vaairie added.

The four of them made their entrance as the players got introduced; despite being Octarians, they were quite popular in certain parts of the country, specifically places with denser populations of Cuttlefish. Shiva made a reputation for herself when she put Octo Valley on notice in the competitive scene, helping them make it far in tournaments and earning the respect of many rivals. Although she was an Octarian, she also happened to be the captain of the third best team in the country and was ranked as one of the best players in the country-even making a mention as one of the stars to watch for on the continent, doing all of this as the crown princess to her people-who were desperate to become their own nation separated from Inkopolis and given a fair amount of land in return. But Shiva wasn't the only superstar on the turf today. On the other side awaited Beacon Hills, the 2nd best team in the nation of Inkopolis with the team captain being none other than the 2nd best player in the country. The glow in Fuchsia's eyes brightened as her sister and her team got introduced, surprised by the overwhelmingly positive reception from the audience.

Shiva's mouth wrinkled at the side as she made a dissatisfied face, "These people are only cheering because they think we're going to get thrashed. This is nothing more than pity being shown." she said firmly, looking around the arena; she spots Fuchsia and Azule sitting together and waves at them, giving a beaming smile and blowing a kiss to Azule; Azule blushed, still not used to the flirting. Gin and the Beacon Hills side were already at their spawn and ready to get to business with a crushing amount of support behind them chanting their fight song; silver shines in the jersey like a new ray of hope from the ashes of the Special Forces' defeat. Gin was now the new hero who'd have to pick up the pieces of the broken image his brother left behind.

"Let's get this match started. I have a title to win." Gin said as he crossed his arms with a sharp glare, focused on the opposition's side. He was ready to get revenge, and ready to cement his case as the best in the country with a convincing performance.

The map was going to be identical to the previous one that was used in the Elites and Special Forces battle, featuring the same structures of homes and trucks in a joint cul-de-sac. Both teams waited in spawn for the whistle to blow with each team having a solid weapon selection. Octo Valley had Shiva and Ciri on the Octoshot, Reluna on the Octobrush, and Vaairie on the Octoroller-a modified version of a dynamo roller made specifically for the comfort of an Octoling's use. For Beacon Hills, they had Gin on Aerospray MG, Silvia on the Tri-slosher, Platinum on the Splattershot, and Alumia on the Tentatek Splattershot. The whistle blows violently, signaling the match to get underway! Shiva and her teammates race out of the gates and take the linear path towards the Rainmaker, but Gin and his team split into two groups: One to go straight down the middle and the other would take a side path by cutting through the backyards.

"Remember your assignments and don't let the previous result distract you from the objective. We're here for the Rainmaker!" Gin yelled before accelerating and leaving his team behind; his team already knew where he was going.

Shiva had a composed expression as she branched off from her team, "I'll meet back up with you guys in a bit! Take the Rainmaker and go as far as possible. I'll handle the rest!"

Both sides met each other at the Rainmaker and an all-out battle for the item began. Sub weapons like Autobombs, Ink Mines, Suction Bombs, and Burst Bombs went flying in opposing directions as the blank canvas soon became a work of art. Both sides knew each other well enough to go straight into combat instead of beating around the bush and it was also no surprise to see the captains of both teams absent from this assault, for the captains always decided to settle their feud in a personal battle.

A drop of sweat trickles down Fuchsia's face as her sister neared Gin. Azule kept his glance on her as she tensed up, deciding to leave her be. It was understandable since this match was crucial in a lot of ways. On the battlefield, Shiva and Gin both arrive at their ring for the showdown. The place that'd hold their battle was over on the Octo Valley side of the map in one of the front yards near the street.

"Gin…" Shiva muttered, her eyes lacking the same viciousness she had back in the preliminaries.

"Princess, it seems your blade has dulled since the last time we saw each other. This simply won't do." Gin responded sharply, an intimidating aura intensifying the longer they locked eyes.

Shiva smirked looking down at the floor as if she was already defeated, "Don't think I won't do it again. If I've beaten you once…"-she looks up, conviction in her eyes, and a fiery aura igniting with her fists clenched- "I'll do it again!"

Although it was ink, it felt as though two types of lighting were attacking each other in a battle for the heavens. Gin's dark and aggressive attacks of always pressing on Shiva even when she was trying to regroup was perhaps more terrifying than what was seen previously by Jin. Shiva realized that in her current position she'd stand no chance against Gin. Gin was like a shark that smelled blood in the water, every movement he made was swift and precise with a load of heavy pressure emanating and adding a new depth of fear to the already shaken Shiva as she tried to create space that no matter where she went, Gin was close by. Shiva inked a semi-circle and slid behind a car to make another pathway, but Gin was already a step ahead of her-cutting off the exit route. His gun shined as he aimed, the sharp glint in his eyes like the dagger he sent through Shiva as he pulled the trigger. Splatting her at point blank and silencing the audience.

Everyone was stunned with many Octarians in the audience feeling their bodies run cold with fear. It was happening again. Yet again they were going to be denied the chance to claim victory and be free. The hope of the nation had just been defeated in what seemed like a moment's notice. Sky's pupils rattled is disbelief as she saw her best friend just get taken down in the most unlikely of ways.

I don't know what's different about me this time. I don't feel like I have the same strength as I had in the fall. Maybe this is...fate?

Fuchsia gripped the arm rests of her chair as she clenched her teeth trying to hold back her feelings of agony as she watched. Her eyebrows shivered as her fingers curled inward and gripped. "Get up...Sis." She whispered in a deep and angry tone; Azule, Pastelle and Cobalt took their eyes off the match and turned their attention to her, sensing a different feeling than what was usual from Fuchsia. "Don't talk about trying to save our country when you're not even trying your best!" she yelled, hoping her feelings would reach her sister.

Shiva shook her head while looking down, her eyes closed as if she accepted defeat. She stood alone in the spawn house while the battle raged on outside, but it wasn't going well for Octo Valley with Beacon Hills capturing the lead. In the time that Shiva went to respawn, her team couldn't pick up the slack. Unfortunately for Octo Valley, this was a part of the plan Beacon Hills set up, and Fuchsia saw it from a mile away. Fuchsia's glare was so sharp she could pierce a person, "She didn't even realize she fell straight into their trap. Beacon Hills knew my sister's tendency to challenge Gin by herself and planned around that. They added pressure as Gin left and trusted that their captain would handle business, and now...Gin looks like he's awaken his full potential while my sister looks like she's given up before the match can get hot. At this rate, we'll be defeated in the most excruciating way possible…" Fuchsia said biting her lip afterward, so hard that blood began to drip; her expression was unlike anything the others had seen on her face. It seemed as though someone else was sitting in her seat.

Azule felt a weird tremble in his hands as he couldn't take his eyes off Fuchsia; Pastelle's stare lowered, preferring to hear what the young princess had to say next instead of watching her uncharacteristic behavior of her dear friend.

"We…? But aren't you hesitant about your heritage..." Cobalt said bluntly with as serious as an expression as he'd always had whenever he senses a powerful presence; Azule and Tangie both froze, unsure of how Fuchsia might respond to Cobalt's insensitive remarks.

Fuchsia's dagger-like eyes turned to Cobalt, "Putting aside my personal feelings of why I rue my birth as an Octarian, the people of Octo Valley are still my people. We share the same race and bleed the same blood. We've laughed, cried, and suffered together…"-her eyes return to the turf- "As the princess of those same proud people of Octo Valley, I refuse to see my elder sister-pride of our people-give up at the hands of a scumbag like Gin."

Azule and Cobalt are shocked by her comment, but Pastelle and Tangie smirk-sensing the growth in Fuchsia. Kosami had thought that the usually sweet, calculating, and gentle member of Squidcom was beginning to show her true Octarian roots, and it was a good thing too. Fuchsia's tears began to stream down her face, "I've seen enough. I've seen enough in my life of my sister's strength to know that no one on this planet can handle her at her best. Not Carbon, Gin, Jin, or even Sky. My sister's strength goes far beyond just a game…" she said in a shaken voice as the painful childhood memories came rushing back. "The many years I watched her overcome the most degrading of tasks and punishments, watching her strip herself of her own being-becoming nothing more than just a soulless corpse at times. Even through that, she still had the mindset that she'd set our people free. She fought, and fought, and fought until her body couldn't move. Spending countless nights training and experimenting, finding any feasible way to help her people. And now...she's going to give up…!? The government literally gave her the opportunity to seize!"-Her face darkened to the point that only her eyes could be seen- "I'd rather be slain by the hands of Cthulhu and given the heart shattering truth that he's no more than just a merciless god that I pray to rather than watch my sister lose the very last thing that makes her an Octarian: Her pride and undying determination."

Speechless they remained as Fuchsia took a deep breath, getting up afterwards. "Stop playing around and win us our freedom, Big Sister!" Fuchsia yelled at the top of her lungs, her voice cracking midway through the sentence. "If anyone is going to beat you, it'll be yourself! There's no one on this planet that can handle the fury of us Octarians, and there is no one that can handle the future queen! Blood is thicker than water!" she screamed again, capturing the attention and whispers of people nearby; Shiva's ears twitched as she heard her sister over the dead silence in the arena, shaken by her sister's inspiring words; She covered her mouth as tears rolled down her cheeks. She knew very well Fuchsia wasn't the type to show any pride as an Octarian and was in fact one of the rifts that served as a hindrance in their sibling relationship. Shiva was a prideful crown princess who was willing devote every possible opportunity given to her to try and create a favorable life of living for her people, but Fuchsia felt different. Fuchsia felt resentment, frustration, and no sense of pride for Octo Valley and instead longed to be an Inkling, wanting to abandon the deep roots she had. For Shiva, the tears that fell down her face weren't of sadness but of happiness. For the first time in her life, she witnessed her beloved little sister throw aside her views and values and choose favor of her blood. For the first time, Fuchsia chose to be an Octarian from the heart.

Shiva wiped away her tears and took a deep breath. The match wasn't out of reach for Octo Valley since during all of this Octo Valley managed to splat Platinum during the fray, leading to both sides to play conservative and play a standoff instead of an aggressive approach. With the score at 81-100, this was only the beginning of what could only feel to be a modern classic in the making.

"I can't let my little sister down. What kind of big sister would I be to lose this after she declared her pride as an Octarian..." Shiva said with her signature smirk, life returning to her eyes and her complexion brightening; she bowed her head-smile beaming and a sweetened glow in her eye, "Thank you, Fuchsia…" She added before exiting the house and onto the battlefield. The Octarian crown princess had finally returned to her original shine and was ready to secure the throne left vacant by Jin Ika.


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